What contributes to a long lag voice onset time (VOT) in English?

A long lag voice onset time (VOT) in English is primarily influenced by enhanced aspiration during voiceless stops. When producing voiceless stop consonants like [p], [t], and [k], a longer period of aspiration, which is the breathy sound following the release of the stop, leads to a longer VOT. This aspiration occurs because the vocal folds remain open and the airflow is not yet voiced, creating a noticeable duration between the release of the consonant and the onset of vocal fold vibration for the following vowel. Therefore, enhanced aspiration contributes significantly to the perception of a longer lag in VOT for these consonants, particularly in contexts where they are distinctly articulated.

In contrast, increased vocal fold tension may relate more to the quality of the sound produced rather than directly affecting VOT duration. Vowel lengthening prior to stops and word stress patterns can also influence the timing and perception of speech sounds, but they typically do not have the same direct and pronounced effect on increasing lag VOT as aspiration does in voiceless stops.